Physician shortage to quadruple

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) estimates that between now and 2015, the shortage of doctors across all specialties will quadruple, according to projections released in late September.

Previous estimates showed a baseline shortage of 39,600 doctors in 2015, but AAMC's current estimates are closer to 63,000, with a worsening of shortages through 2025.

That shortage includes 29,900 primary care doctors and 33,100 physicians in specialties such as cardiology, oncology, and emergency medicine.